Anniversary - 20 years as a Family-Friendly University

WELCOME

Prof. Stefanie Reese, Ph.D. (Rector of the University of Siegen) & Dr. Elisabeth Heinrich (Equal Opportunities Officer)

ACHIEVEMENTS

Milestones of the University of Siegen

Dr. Elisabeth Heinrich

INPUT

The “Family-Friendly University Audit”

Martin Heyer from berufundfamilie

KEYNOTE

Twenty Years Ahead—What Now? Family-Friendliness as a Social Responsibility

Jo Lücke

The University of Siegen has built something of which it can be justifiably proud: family-friendly work schedules, a comprehensive range of counseling services for employees and students with family responsibilities, and reliable, flexible child care—a true success story as a family-friendly university. And yet: Equality between people with and without caregiving responsibilities has not yet been achieved. This is because whether someone advances in their career still depends on a standard that rewards available time—a standard that no single institution can override on its own. Other norms, such as role expectations and financial incentives, hinder progress. Jo Lücke’s lecture looks to the future: toward policies that establish a framework for families, and toward a societal revaluation of care work that picks up where pragmatic solutions reach their limits.

About the Speaker 

Jo Lücke studied political science and economics and works as a freelance author, analyst, and trainer at the intersection of the care economy, gender equality, and organizational culture. Her perspective is consistently structural: she locates the unequal distribution of care work in the incentives and logic of the systems in which we live and work. In 2024, her book *Für Sorge* was published by Droemer Knaur. In 2025, she founded the League for Unpaid Work (the carewerkschaft), a union-like Representation of Interests that aims to enshrine family caregiving responsibilities as a protected characteristic in the German Constitution. Jo Lücke lives in Berlin with her partner and two school-age children.

COME-TOGETHER

Champagne reception, networking, and celebration with drinks and hors d’oeuvres

Creative Childcare Program

Flexi (flexible childcare at the University of Siegen) will offer childcare starting at 2:00 p.m., featuring a creative hands-on activity in honor of the anniversary.

Information on Regional Programs for Children and Families

Daniela Hilgendorff (City of Siegen Family Office) is available to provide information on regional programs for children and families.

Information on Regional Services Related to Aging, Care, and Dementia

Denise Stupperich (South Westphalia Regional Office for Aging, Care, and Dementia) provides information on services and support related to aging, care, and dementia in the region.

University Library Book Table

The University Library is showcasing books on the topics of “balancing work, studies, and family; caregiving; diverse family structures; and gender equality.”

Wheel of Fortune with Prizes

You can win a copy of the book “Für Sorge: How Equal Care Saves Your Family Life | The Guide to Controversial Topics Like Work-Life Balance, Care Work, and Mental Load” by Jo Lücke, as well as other great prizes.